A Transrapid-Network for the Near East?

In this paper chances and some of the difficulties for the introductionof Transrapid in the Near East are discussed. 11seems imp01tanl notlo regard this area as an extension of Europebut as having specific needs for rapid transporl. Like therailways about 100 years ago Transrapid will not fit smoothlyinto Near-Eastern patterns of economic and social life and theessential precondition of peace and of co-operation betweenthe governments may not be fulfilled within the next 50 years. Inthe author's opinion a transarabian axis between Jeddah andMasqat is the most auspicious project one can think of today. Astarl might be made with il any lime, that is at/he very momentwhen Transrapid will have proven its usefulness and profitability.